Chrysler bankruptcy could delay 2010 updates, 2011 models
2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee - Click above for a high-res image gallery
Chrysler's bankruptcy filing will undoubtedly affect every aspect of the automaker's short- and long-term endeavors, and not surprisingly, product isn't immune. While testifying in court, Chrysler's manufacturing chief, Frank Ewasyshyn, said the current plant shutdowns and the resulting effect on suppliers will delay Chrysler's 2010 product suite, primarily comprised of minor updates to existing models. While that's not a huge loss, any delay is bound to affect sales, particularly when Chrysler is struggling to maintain a positive public perception. Even worse, Ewasyshyn said that the plant and supplier issues could mean Chrysler's 2011 models could also suffer the same fate. Although he didn't outline exactly what models would be affected, it doesn't bode well for the 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee or the redesigned Chrysler 300C.
Gallery: 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee
[Source: Automotive News – Sub. Req.]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
mapoftazifosho 5:13PM (5/04/2009)
FIAT is buying assets...Chrysler is done...the name is destroyed.
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Tool 10:28PM (5/04/2009)
Where is the grand strategy for the New New New Chrysler?
Obama, to his credit, has been tough with GM, forcing them to drastically re-focus the company. We've seen the re-emergence plan and it actually looks feasible. (although I still contend that GM should only have two brands, Chevrolet and Cadillac).
I haven't seen or heard a cohesive plan of how Chrysler will come out of this cluster f*ck stronger and more focused. To think that getting Fiat's products and then everything is okay is ridiculous. No one knows if Fiats would sell well in the U.S., and given Fiat's not so great quality (#29 in J.D. Power), I'm not at all convinced that this plan has ANY merit whatsoever.
Luke Kobilan 10:56PM (5/04/2009)
Good it sucked. Good riddance to bad rubbish! Now can we move on?
The Luigiian 5:18PM (5/04/2009)
So wait, does that mean that Chrysler's simply going to be delayed a few months in updating or does it mean the 2010 updates will arrive for the 2011 model year?
If it just means they're waiting a little longer to get the 2010 models out there, no worries, it'll just give their dealers more time to sell the inventory they've got, and make room for improved 2010 models.
If they wait till 2011 MY to make the updates and start cranking out 2010s that are identical to the 2009s, though, it's just going to add more inventory to bloated dealer lots.
For Chrysler's sake, I hope it's the former. These dealerships need all the help they can get to persuade customers to take the price hit and choose a new vehicle over a used one. With no new improvements to sell, it could a tough battle for Chrysler dealerships.
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tuxchown 9:28PM (5/04/2009)
A very sensible analysis. ++
artso06 5:21PM (5/04/2009)
Updates aren't going to help this company sell cars. They need redesigns (stronger than the 300 one im afraid tooo) and fast......More importantly the need a family sedan not tainted by the name sebring
"struggling to maintain a positive perception", im not sure they have had that for 5 or 6 years. Sure the 300 has sold well however.....look at Chrysler and Dodge as a whole and it isn't positive. Dodge is cheap and Chrysler is the brand that always falls short.
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Jared 5:35PM (5/04/2009)
Agreed. A face-lifted 300 and Jeep Grand Cherokee won't save Chrysler.
John 5:37PM (5/04/2009)
What we need is the Chrysler TC by Maserati! ;)
the_MVP_X 5:36PM (5/04/2009)
What was that about "Building a new car company"? Maybe they should place an add on the next page and say, "Sorry but you may have to wait."
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inline6 5:36PM (5/04/2009)
Wait a second...didn't they JUST RUN an ad that said they're a "New Car Company", and now the "New Cars" they're referring to will probably be delayed.
Jeez these marketing people are idiots.
Talk about over-promising and under-delivering.
Yikes.
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gerrrg 5:37PM (5/04/2009)
The rear is a sell out to current fad of slant windows.
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Nightcrawler 12:39PM (5/05/2009)
Yeah, the slant of the rear windows is clearly the biggest concern Chrysler has going these days.
fizzandpop 5:46PM (5/04/2009)
Good. I think all manufacturers should do this as part of "the new world order of car production". They spend way too much time, money and effort making pointless cosmetic changes and coming up with needless redesigns to useless features. And the domestics are by far the worst perps. Name me one second gen design that actually improves on the first.
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inline6 5:53PM (5/04/2009)
Cobalt vs Cavalier
Aveo vs Metro
Malibu
2010 Equinox vs 04-09 Equinox vs 98-03 Tracker
Corvette C6 vs C5 vs C4
G6 vs Grand Am
Aura vs L-Series
Vue
Silverado/Sierra
Tahoe/Suburban/Avalanche/Yukon/Escalade
CTS
STS
2010 LaCrosse vs 05-09 LaCrosse vs Century/Regal
Lucerne vs LeSabre/Park Avenue
What...the hell...are you talking about?
fizzandpop 6:34PM (5/04/2009)
Read the comment again. ie: They launch a car, then three years later redesign it as a second generation. It's the same car, but with new door handles. None of the examples you gave fit this. i.e the Cobalt is not a redesigned Cavalier, it's a new car. I'm talking about mid-cycle redesigns, not completely new models (even if they stick with the same name).
inline6 2:45AM (5/05/2009)
Actually, Hyundai/Kia are the worst perps at cosmetic changes that accomplish nothing.
But it's not the worst idea in the world, dude. Your company comes out with a model that's supposed to last them 5-7 years on the market. Competitors will be coming out with their totally redone vehicles while your car ages. So to keep it fresh in buyer's minds, you reshuffle the trim, and add some new features to keep people from forgetting - and therefore considering it - it in the sea of all-new competing metal.
By the way, I'll admit the definitions are a little subjective, but I took "redesign" to mean a totally new car. Usually words like "facelift", "reskin", "revamp", or "refresh" (often with adjectives like light/heavy, major/minor, etc.) better describe what you're talking about.
Nightcrawler 12:41PM (5/05/2009)
"Name me one second gen design that actually improves on the first."
Would the 2010 Fusion count?
Greg Aryous 5:56PM (5/04/2009)
Chrysler already has a poor quality reputation consistenly ranked near the bottom and any time you stop and re-start a complex manufacturing process with the supply chain, quality will suffer. I'd NEVER buy a new Chrysler product!
If you're interested in a replacement for a 300 or Dodge Charger, think about Ford's new Taurus and SHO...
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LeMuRfArT 6:21PM (5/04/2009)
the new jeep is so nice looking. ill buy a used cherokee to hold me over cause i like those more anyway.
bring those back and i would be willing to buy those for the rest of my life
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mikecanada 6:23PM (5/04/2009)
I'll be surprised if any Chrysler vehicle is manufactured again. My sense it's all over.
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